Japan-Cambodia Relations

October 25： Meeting with Japanese Business Representatives in Cambodia
October 26：Courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei HENG Samrin, President of National Assembly, Courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Luncheon hosted by H.E. Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister Delegate Attached to Prime Minister and Secretary General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Visit to the memorials for the late Police Superintendent Haruyuki Takata, civilian police officer for the United Nation Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) and the late Atsuhito Nakata, United Nations Volunteer, and Visit to Phum Prek Water Treatment Plant

Vice Minister Horii noted initially that Prime Minister Hun Sen's Official Working Visit to Japan last August was a great success and stated that the Japanese government attaches importance to the development of Cambodia in view of its strategic position in the Mekong region and, in particular, the Southern Economic Corridor which holds the key for prosperity of the entire region. Then he explained Japan’s will to enhance assistance in areas including improvement of logistics, human resource development and reinforcement of urban functions based on the new Country Assistance Policy. He also referred to the defense cooperation and people-to-people exchanges and expressed Japan’s intension to deepen the strategic partnership between Japan and Cambodia as the two countries will celebrate 65th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year and the Japanese consular office in Siem Reap will be established in January.
In response, while considering Vice Minister Horii’s visit as an evidence of the strategic partnership between two countries, the Cambodian side expressed their high appreciation and gratitude for the assistance by the Government and people of Japan for the development of the infrastructure, demining and fostering human resource as those supports were indispensable to achieve the economic growth of the country today.

Vice Minister Horii stated that that the investment from Japan to Cambodia has been increasing steadily in recent years and reached a record high last year and requested Cambodia’s further efforts to improve the investment environment in the country.
In response, the Cambodia side expressed their wishes for a continued increase of Japanese investment and explained about their efforts in improving the investment environment by addressing various opinions given by Japanese companies at the Japan-Cambodia public-private joint meetings.

Vice Minister Horii expressed his concerns on the escalation of tension in the recent political situation of Cambodia and urged to solve the issue by the efforts of Cambodian people themselves so that the national election next year will be conducted in a free and fair manner. He also informed that Japan will continue to support electoral reform. The Cambodian side, in response, explained their own position on the current situation.